EDD SDI holding payment due to identity verification - can I get conditional payments while appeal is pending?
I filed for disability in early January (about 60 days ago) for chronic back pain after my surgery, and my claim got stuck because EDD 'couldn't verify my identity'. I already appealed and sent in my driver's license and a recent utility bill about 3 weeks ago, but still nothing! My doctor confirmed everything is properly submitted on their end. I've burned through all my savings and can barely pay rent this month. Is there any way to get some kind of conditional or partial payment while they figure out this identity verification mess? Has anyone successfully requested emergency payments during an appeal? My landlord isn't exactly sympathetic to EDD's timeline and I'm starting to panic.
24 comments


Alana Willis
u can try calling them but good luck getting thru. took me 4 days of calling nonstop b4 i got a real person. they dont do 'conditional payments' for identity issues afaik
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Justin Trejo
•That's what I was afraid of... been calling every day for 2 weeks straight. Either get disconnected or stuck on hold until they close for the day. So frustrating!
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Tyler Murphy
Unfortunately, EDD doesn't provide conditional payments while your identity is being verified. This is a security measure they implemented after the massive fraud during COVID. Your best approach is to contact your local state representative's office - they have caseworkers who can escalate EDD issues. I've seen identity verification resolved within 7-10 days with their help. Make sure you have your claim number, the date you filed, and copies of all the verification documents you submitted when you contact them.
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Justin Trejo
•Thank you so much! I didn't know contacting my state rep was an option. I'll try that first thing tomorrow. Do you happen to know if they'll backpay all the weeks once my identity is verified?
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Tyler Murphy
•Yes, they will backpay all eligible weeks once your identity is verified and your claim is approved. Make sure you continue certifying for benefits every two weeks through your SDI Online account even while your claim is pending. This ensures you don't miss out on any benefits once your identity issue is resolved.
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Sara Unger
I had this EXACT same problem last year!!!! It's absolutely RIDICULOUS how they treat us when we're already dealing with medical issues. I waited 73 days before my identity was verified. Every rep told me something different. One said my documentation wasn't clear enough, another said they never received it (even though I uploaded it TWICE), and another said it was "in process" whatever that means!!! They should be ASHAMED of themselves!
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Butch Sledgehammer
•did u try the identity verification appeal line directly? its different from the main edd number. sometimes works better
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Freya Ross
I ran into a similar situation with identity verification last year. After weeks of getting nowhere with regular phone calls, I tried Claimyr (claimyr.com) and they got me connected to an SDI rep in about 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd. The rep was able to see exactly what was holding up my verification and gave me instructions on exactly what additional documents they needed. Worth considering if you're desperate to talk to someone.
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Justin Trejo
•I've never heard of this service before. Does it actually work? I'm willing to try anything at this point since I can't even get through on the phone lines.
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Freya Ross
•It worked for me - I was surprised honestly. They just connect you to an actual EDD rep faster than doing it yourself. The rep I talked to was able to tell me exactly why my identity verification was held up (they couldn't read part of my license in the scan I sent). Saved me weeks of waiting for a letter explaining the problem.
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Leslie Parker
I went through something similar with my SDI claim. Identity verification is definitely one of the biggest bottlenecks in the EDD system right now. One option nobody has mentioned - if your financial situation is dire, you might qualify for emergency assistance through your county's General Assistance/Relief program while your disability claim is pending. It's not much money, but it could help with essentials until your SDI starts paying. You should also call the Appeals office directly at (800) 300-5616 rather than the regular SDI line - sometimes they can expedite identity verification cases.
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Justin Trejo
•Thank you for this info! I'll definitely look into the county assistance - anything would help at this point. And I didn't know about the Appeals office having a direct line. Will try calling them tomorrow.
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Sergio Neal
•Just a clarification - the 800-300-5616 number is actually for Unemployment Insurance, not the Appeals office. For SDI appeals status, you should call 1-800-480-3287. I made this mistake myself and wasted an entire afternoon on hold with the wrong department!
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Butch Sledgehammer
same thing happened 2 my wife. sent everything they asked for, then they asked for the SAME DOCS again! took almost 10 weeks b4 they finally paid her. no conditional payments, they dont care if ur bills r due. make sure ur still doing ur bi-weekly certifications even tho ur not getting paid
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Justin Trejo
•10 weeks?? I can't wait that long! But thanks for the reminder about certifications - I've been keeping up with those every two weeks.
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Savanna Franklin
Have you tried going to an actual EDD office in person? Sometimes that's faster than dealing with phone/online. Take all your documents with you. Also check if there are any identity verification issues specifically - sometimes they need additional verification beyond just DL and utility bill, like a birth certificate or social security card copy. Hope you get it sorted!
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Sergio Neal
•The in-person EDD offices generally handle unemployment, not disability claims. SDI is almost entirely handled through the SDI Online system and phone support. Just wanted to clarify so OP doesn't waste time going to an office that can't help with disability issues.
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Leslie Parker
OK, I just checked the latest EDD guidelines for identity verification appeals. Make sure you've done these three things: 1. Submitted a clear copy of your ID (both sides) 2. Included a utility bill dated within the last 3 months 3. Completed the DE 1326C Identity Verification form The third form is often missed and can cause significant delays. You can download it from the EDD website. Also, keep certifying for your benefits every two weeks even though you're not getting paid yet. Once verified, they'll release all back payments at once.
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Justin Trejo
•Wait, there's a special form?? They never mentioned a DE 1326C to me! I only sent in the ID and utility bill. This might be why I'm stuck. I'm going to download and submit this form immediately. Thank you so much for this info!
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Emma Wilson
I'm dealing with a similar identity verification nightmare right now! Been waiting 6 weeks and counting. One thing that helped me get some momentum - I filed a complaint with the California State Disability Insurance Appeals Board online. It's separate from the regular appeal process and seems to get their attention faster. Also, if you're really desperate for immediate help, check if your county has an emergency rental assistance program - some will help with SDI cases that are pending due to verification issues. The waiting is absolutely brutal when you're already dealing with medical problems. Hang in there!
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Connor O'Brien
I'm in a similar boat - filed for SDI in February and they've been "verifying my identity" for 5 weeks now. The stress of not knowing when (or if) the payments will come while dealing with medical issues is honestly making my condition worse. I tried the state rep suggestion from earlier posts and it actually helped! My assemblyman's office said they'd put in a request to expedite my case. Also wanted to mention - if you're really struggling financially, some local food banks and churches have emergency assistance programs that don't require tons of paperwork. It's not much but every little bit helps when you're waiting on EDD. Keep pushing and don't give up!
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Kiara Fisherman
•I'm so glad to hear your assemblyman's office is helping! That gives me hope. I've been hesitant to reach out to local assistance programs because I keep thinking my SDI will come through "any day now" but you're right - every little bit helps when you're in survival mode. The stress definitely makes everything worse - I swear this whole ordeal has set back my recovery. Thanks for the reminder about food banks too, I hadn't even thought of that. It's crazy how many of us are going through this same nightmare with identity verification right now.
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Haley Bennett
I've been through this exact situation! Was stuck in identity verification hell for 8 weeks last year. A few things that finally helped me break through: 1) Contact your state assemblyperson's constituent services office - they have direct contacts at EDD and can escalate your case, 2) Make sure you submitted the DE 1326C form (Identity Verification form) - this is often the missing piece that keeps cases stuck, 3) Try calling the SDI Technical Support line at 1-800-480-3287 early in the morning (like 8:01 AM) - better chance of getting through. Also, while you wait, look into your county's General Relief program and local food banks for emergency assistance. The financial stress while waiting is brutal, especially when you're already dealing with medical issues. Keep certifying every two weeks no matter what - you'll get all the back pay once it's resolved. Don't give up, the system is broken but you will eventually get through it!
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Ben Cooper
•This is incredibly helpful advice! I'm definitely going to try calling that technical support line first thing tomorrow morning. I had no idea about the DE 1326C form until someone mentioned it earlier - seems like EDD doesn't make it very clear that this form is required. It's so reassuring to hear from people who actually made it through this nightmare. The whole system really does seem broken when so many of us are stuck in the same verification limbo for months. Thank you for taking the time to share all these specific steps and phone numbers - it gives me a concrete plan to follow instead of just waiting helplessly.
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